UWI Net Zero Energy Building, Study in Sound Construction

Soaring energy demand, together with increased populations and the dangers of a warming planet are intensifying the conversation around better building practices worldwide.

In response, the prototype Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB) being constructed at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona utilises construction concepts designed to minimise energy consumption while increasing climate change resilience.

The NZEB is being constructed under the “Low Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Promoting Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy in Building in Jamaica” project and is being implemented by the Institute for Sustainable Development (ISD) at the UWI, with financial support from the Global Environment Facility and technical assistance from the United Nations Environment Programme.

The project is designed to research and develop practical working solutions that will transform building policies and practices. To that end, among other things, NZEB will be earthquake and hurricane resilient and used for meetings and short courses related to energy.